Celebrate the New Americas Wing at Museum of Fine Arts Boston

Over the years, the Museum of Fine Arts Boston developed a reputation as one the largest museums in the world. Currently, their 450,000 works of art more attracts more than one million visitors a year. American history and art lovers coming to Boston might want to check out the Museum of Fine Arts Boston's new $504 million dollar Americas Wing.

More than 5,000 pieces of art from North, Central, and South America help tell the story of the Americas from the prehistoric period to the present. Contained within this new wing's 53 galleries one can find paintings, sculpture, furniture, works on paper, textiles, and decorative arts.

American icons whose work is on display include John Singleton Copley, Benjamin West, Paul Revere, Mary Cassatt; Winslow Homer and Thomas Eakins. In addition, be sure to check out the museums unparalleled collection of 17th- and early 18th-century portraits, furniture, silver, and textiles. Also, this new wing includes a 63-foot high glass courtyard that provides a light airy setting to enjoy a light lunch or relax, as well as a venue for special events.

From now until Spring 2012, the museum is planning over 25 exhibits that will showcase subjects like African Textiles, Ellsworth Kelly, Degas, Chihuly, Goya, ancient & modern gems, French, Japanese & Chinese paintings and prints, and contemporary photography exhibitions.

The museum is open Saturday to Tuesday from 10am to 4:45pm and Wednesdays to Fridays from10am to 9:45pm. To avoid the crowds, try to stop by on weekday afternoons. Admission is $20.00 for adults and $18.00 for seniors and students 18 years and older, Youth 6 and under are admitted free. Also, youth aged 7 to 17 are admitted free weekdays after 3pm, weekends and Boston public school holidays; otherwise $7.50. On Wednesday nights after 4pm admission is by voluntary contribution (suggested donation $20.00).

Admission includes full access to all open galleries and exhibitions, as well as guided tours and gallery talks. Also, a paid admission entitles one to have a free repeat visit within a ten day period. Multimedia guides are available for an additional fee.

Those wanting to explore more of Boston's museums might want to get a Boston City Pass. In addition to the Museum of Fine Arts, this pass includes admission to the New England Aquarium, Museum of Science, Skywalk Observatory, and a choice between the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum and the Harvard Museum of Natural History.